7 Best Things to Do in Tulum Mexico in 2025
From ancient ruins to pristine beaches to thrilling adventures, Tulum, Mexico has something for everyone. As locals, we've had the opportunity to experience the very best this beach town has to offer and can't wait to share our list of the 7 best things to do in Tulum.
7. Tulum Archeological Site
No trip to Tulum is complete without a visit to Tulum Ruins. Grab a bike and immerse yourself in history while exploring the breathtaking clifftop ruins, a captivating glimpse into the Mayan civilization. Witness the iconic Castillo perched on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, offering stunning views. Bring sunscreen, water, and come early to avoid the heat and long lines.
Alternatively, book a private tour with an English-speaking guide who will pick you up from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. Bottled water, snacks, and all fees and taxes are included with this private, half day, 5-star rated experience.
TULUM TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning your trip to Tulum? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. By booking services or shopping through these links, you’ll save money AND help keep our blog posts and videos coming your way. Thanks for the support!
Planning your trip to Tulum? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
- Travel Insurance – Don’t leave home without it! SafetyWing offers super affordable travel insurance with straightforward pricing and flexible extensions—even if your trip is already underway. Protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses and travel mishaps while you explore Tulum and beyond.
- Hotel Discounts – Unlock unbeatable deals with Hotels.com. Create a free account to save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels. Plus, you can snag perks like free room upgrades—perfect for enjoying the city in style.
- Car Rental Deals – Hit the road with Discover Cars and find the best rental rates worldwide. Compare prices from top providers and score incredible discounts. Their inexpensive full coverage option gives us peace of mind, and free cancellations up to 48-hours before pickup ensure flexibility when plans change.
- Tours & Experiences – Book unforgettable adventures in Tulum with Viator. Whether you're exploring Chichén Itzá or floating through mangroves in Muyil, Viator makes exploring the city easy and fun.
- Foreign Exchange & Money Transfers – Save on foreign exchange and money transfers with Wise. Not only do we use it for sending money between our U.S. and Mexican bank accounts, but its fair rates and transparent fees make it a go-to for travelers everywhere.
- e-SIM Cards – Stay connected abroad with Airalo. An e-SIM is the easiest way to avoid hefty roaming charges. Just download the app, purchase a local or regional data plan, and toggle between your plans with ease. We love the convenience!
- Surfshark VPN – Safeguard your personal data when using public Wi-Fi and stream your favorite shows abroad with Surfshark VPN. This budget-friendly product lets you bypass content restrictions, avoid censorship, and secure unlimited devices with ease.
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. By booking services or shopping through these links, you’ll save money AND help keep our blog posts and videos coming your way. Thanks for the support!
6. Paradise Beach (Playa Paraíso)
Relax in paradise on the best stretch of beach in Tulum at Cinco Beach Club. Located in the National Park just a short bike ride or drive from the archaeological site, Cinco offers a restaurant and beach club with a variety of seating options from poofs (bean bags), loungers, and day beds for two all with umbrellas. Definitely reserve ahead in high season from December to April.
🌟 Pro tip - Complimentary valet parking is available with minimum consumption until the lot is full. Paid parking is also available nearby. In addition, beach towels are available to rent for a nominal fee, so there's no need to bring your own.
5. Ven a la Luz by Daniel Popper
Snap a pic with Tulum's iconic "Ven a la Luz" sculpture! This towering 33-foot artwork by Daniel Popper isn't just visually stunning, it's a symbol of connection with nature and self. Stand beneath the open arms of this giant wooden woman (though some say it's genderless!) and capture a photo that embodies the unique Tulum spirit. Located at the Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park, it's a must-see for an Instagram-worthy moment and a reminder to embrace the light during your Tulum adventure.
For a private photo tour experience, your professional photographer will contact you prior to your session with a variety of photogenic locations to choose from, helping you customize the perfect photos for you and your group. Sessions are available in the morning, at noon, or in the afternoon.
🌟 Pro tip - Planning a trip to Tulum? From the best LGBTQ+ hotels to must-visit attractions, dining, and travel tips, find it all in our Gay Travel Guide to Tulum.
4. Cenote Dos Ojos
Skip touristy Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera in town, and visit local favorite, Cenote Dos Ojos, just north of Tulum. "Dos Ojos" translates to "Two Eyes," referring to the cenote's two main openings. Descend into a magical underwater world of crystal-clear freshwater caverns, stalactites, and stalagmites. Explore hidden passages, observe unique aquatic life, and marvel at the breathtaking light shows as sunlight filters through the water.
For a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the beauty and mystery of the Mayan underworld, we highly recommend an early morning VIP Private Tour of Cenote Dos Ojos with everything included. Entrance fees, snorkel gear, lunch, and hotel pick-up and drop-off is provided. You can select any hotel in Tulum or Playa del Carmen or anywhere in between when booking. It's a private tour after all! Your private guide will contact you in advance of your tour to confirm all details.
🌟 Pro tip - Don't skip the wet suit when offered. While it's a little warm at first, you'll be happy with your decision by the end of the tour!
3. An Authentic Mexican Cooking Class
Journey to the heart of Tulum with an authentic Mexican cooking class in a local's house. This unique experience goes beyond delicious food. Learn to prepare traditional dishes alongside a welcoming host, using fresh, local ingredients and family recipes passed down through generations. But the fun doesn't stop there! Before you get cooking, tantalize your taste buds with a mezcal tasting, exploring this smoky spirit produced from agave plants. It's a chance to learn about Mayan cultural traditions and gain hands-on cooking skills, all in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
🌟 Pro tip - If you are staying in town at our favorite hotel Bardo, sister property Una Vida, or our Airbnb, Casa Cangrejo Tulum, the local's house is nearby in a safe and secure neighborhood called Riviera Tulum. For the exact address, follow this link for more information.
2. Muyil River Float in Sian Ka'an
Dive into paradise with the Muyil River float in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a must-do near Tulum, Mexico. Imagine gently drifting through a maze of mangroves, surrounded by lush rainforest and exotic birdsong. This unique float lets you cool off in refreshing crystal-clear waters, spot diverse wildlife, and even dip into a natural freshwater spring. It's a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and nature immersion, all within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Muyil River float is also our favorite adventure activity in Tulum. Join a small group tour to Muyil to explore the ruins before a thrilling trek on boardwalks through the mangroves to your panga boat. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included by air-conditioned mini-van as is a picnic lunch with seasonal fruits, snacks, and bottled water.
🌟 Pro tip - Apply eco-friendly sunscreen in advance, as the guides are not supposed to allow it once on the boat. Also, bring a quick dry towel like this one for added comfort. We always throw one or two in our day bag when traveling.
1. Chichén Itzá
Venture deeper into the jungle and discover Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. The highlight of any trip to the Yucatan peninsula, Chichén Itzá means mouth of the water hole or cenote of the Itzá tribe.
Built for prayer and worship, the main temple represents the Mayan calendar and is the star attraction. With 91 steps on each of the four sides plus the very top, the number of steps adds up to the 365, which is the number of days in the year.
Incredibly, twice a year on the equinox of March 21, the time to plant, and September 22, the time to harvest, the shadow of the serpent or snake can be seen on the temple. The snake was important to the Mayans as it represents life and fertility.
For the best experience, rent a car and go early or join an awesome small group tour for this unforgettable experience when in Tulum. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included as are all entrance fees, lunch in colonial Valladolid, drinks and snacks at a cenote, and an English-speaking guide. Many tours to Chichén Itzá require you to purchase tickets on your own on arrival, which eats up a lot of precious time, so we always recommend tours with tickets included whenever possible!
🌟 Pro tip - For the best hotels, restaurants, gay bars and beach clubs, and insider tips, read our our complete LGBTQ+ travel guide to Tulum.
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